Aircrafts

Airborne School Jump-Ships

The European Paratroopers Airborne School use two types of jump-ships (airplane and helicopter):

- Antonov AN-2 (NATO code name “Colt”) fixed-wing aircraft.

- Mil Mi-8 (NATO code name “Hip”) rotary-wing aircraft.

Antonov AN-2

The Antonov AN-2 light multi-purpose aircraft was adopted in bulk by both the Soviet Air Force and other Eastern Bloc military forces, commonly as a light utility transport and parachute drop aircraft, and occasionally as an attack aircraft in his lightly armed combat versions. Nowadays remains the largest biplane (biplane is the aircraft with two wings) in the world.

CHARACTERISTICS

Aircraft length: 12,64 m

Aircraft height: 4,68 m

Wingspan: 18,18 m

Wing area (sq. meters)

Upper wing: 43,55

Lower wing: 27,96

Weight (kg)

Empty: 3400

Max take-off: 5250

Engine Piston Shevtsov ASh-62IR

Power (hp 1х1000)

Maximum speed: 250 km/h

Cruising speed: 185 km/h

Range: 2000 km

Altitude: 4400 m

Take-off run: 150 m

Landing run: 170 m

Fuel consumption: 140 kg/h

Crew: 2

Load: 12 passengers (or 1300 kg cargo)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS

The An-2 (NATO code name “Colt”) it was first used in a military context during the Korean War of the early 1950s. The Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF) was another prolific user of the AN-2 during the Vietnam War. During the Croatian War of Independence in 1991, a number of aged An-2 biplanes previously used for crop-spraying were converted by the Croatian Air Force to drop makeshift boiler bombs; they were also used to conduct supply missions to the town of Vukovar and other besieged parts of Croatia. The chief advantage for the An-2 was that they could take off and land in small or improvised airstrips; they were also frequently used to drop supplies by parachute on isolated garrisons. Reportedly, North Korea has operated a number of the AN-2s. The Korean People's Army Special Operation Force is known to use the An-2 to facilitate the infiltration of paratroopers. It has been speculated that in wartime, these aircraft could possibly be used to deliver troops behind enemy lines for sabotage operations.

Mil Mi-8

The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine helicopter produced by Russia. In addition to its most common role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance platform. Along with the related, more powerful Mil Mi-17, the Mi-8 is among the world's most-produced helicopters, used by over 50 countries. As of 2015, it is the third most common operational military aircraft in the world.

CHARACTERISTICS

Propulsion: 2 Turboshaft Engines

Engine Model:Klimov TW2-117A / TV2-117A

Engine Power (each): 1251 kW (1678 shp)

Speed: 259 km/h (140 kts 161 mph)

Service Ceiling: 4.500 m (14.764 ft)

Range: 500 km (270 NM 311 mi.)

Empty Weight: 6.800 kg (14.991 lbs)

max. Takeoff Weight: 12.000 kg (26.455 lbs)

Rotor Blades (main/tail): 5/3

Main Rotor Diameter: 21,29 m (69 ft 10 in)

Tail Rotor Diameter: 3,91 m (12 ft 10 in)

Rotor Disc Area: 356,0 m² (3832 ft²)

Length: 25,24 m (82 ft 10 in)

Height: 5,65 m (18 ft 6 in)

Crew: 3

Passengers: 32

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS

The Mi-8 is a multipurpose helicopter produced in a number of variants. The Mi-17 is an improved version of the Mi-8 with greater altitude and environmental performance. These helicopters are still built at Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kazan Helicopter Plant and Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. The Mi-8 Transport Helicopters took part in a great number of military conflicts all around the world including Afghanistan and both Chechnya wars. At the moment Mi-8 with it's various modifications are operational in over 50 countries of the world including some NATO countries. The armed variant, designated Mi-8TV, is fitted with 7.62mm built-in machine guns and six external weapons racks with S-5 rockets. The helicopter can also deploy AT-2 Swatter 9M 17P Skorpion anti-tank missiles. The helicopter’s weapon sighting system is the PKV collimating sight. Mi-8TV is also capable of laying minefields.

Train With Us!

Any serving or retired paratrooper (airborne and special force military personnel), serving or retired members of the Armed Forces, as well as any other serving or retired uniformed service personnel and members of veterans organizations can become members of the European Paratroopers Association and take part in our airborne training courses and parachute jump exercises. Join Us today and train with the absolute best airborne training organization available on the European Continent! Information on the application process of the European Paratroopers Association can be found on the membership page.

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